The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves amid a goaltending controversy to start the 2023-24 NHL season, as the performances of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll have ignited debates among Leaf fans and NHL Insiders.
During a recent Daily Faceoff live show appearance, NHL Insider Frank Seravalli voiced his opinion on the Leafs’ netminder situation, firmly advocating for Woll to be the starter.
Should Joseph Woll be the starter over Ilya Samsonov?
Seravalli emphasized that Woll’s strong start to the season has made a compelling case for him to assume the starting role. He highlighted the Leafs’ effective development of Woll, noting his consistent improvement at every level of his hockey career.
The statistics tell a similar story. With a 1-1-0 record and an impressive .949 goals-against average (GAA), Woll has outperformed Samsonov, who holds a 2-1 record with a .831 GAA. The 2023 playoffs also told a similar story, as Woll had the better numbers.
Seravalli’s opinion suggests that Woll is poised to become the 1A goaltender, with Samsonov assuming the 1B role. The Leafs’ goaltending controversy adds an intriguing layer to the NHL, as fans love to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What are Leaf fans saying about the goalie controversy in Toronto?
Imagine Woll turns into Carey Price for the Toronto Maple Leafs!
WOLL should have the net given it to him now. He needs the early season experience to be good in the spring.
Samsonov has been awful. He needs to ride the pine a bit and let’s see what Woll can do?
